Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity
速
Chapter Management Program
CONSTITUTION LAWS & POLICIES MANUAL
Property of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc. P. O. Box 54 Warrensburg, Missouri 64093 www.sigmataugamma.org Copyright 2010, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., all righs reserved.
Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc.
速
CONSTITUTION As Revised by the 43rd Grand Chapter, August 2, 2008
Preamble Believing that all men are social creatures and that friendships of college men are lasting ones, we do hereby seek to promote these associations through a social fraternity which will uphold the true standards of brotherhood, and do hereby adopt the following constitution: ARTICLE 1. Name and Purposes SECTION 1. The name of this Fraternity shall be Sigma Tau Gamma. SECTION 2. The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to promote the welfare of its members as provided in this Constitution, and the Laws of the Fraternity, which are based upon it. It shall endeavor to promote the highest ideals of manhood, brotherhood and citizenship according to the Principles of the Fraternity. It shall uphold the tradition and ideals of the institutions in which its collegiate members are students. ARTICLE 2. Organization of the Fraternity SECTION 1. This Fraternity shall consist of collegiate chapters and alumni chapters governed by a Grand Chapter made up of representatives of the chapters. SECTION 2. Collegiate chapters shall be organized on the campuses of colleges and universities. Members of this Fraternity shall join the Fraternity as members of one of these collegiate chapters. SECTION 3. Alumni chapters shall be organized among members of this Fraternity who are no longer undergraduate members of collegiate chapters. ARTICLE 3. Membership SECTION 1. There shall be three classes of membership in this Fraternity: collegiate, alumni and honorary. SECTION 2. Any male student who is regularly enrolled in a college or university at which a collegiate chapter of this Fraternity is
Constitution, Laws and Policies
established shall be eligible for initiation into membership in this Fraternity as a collegiate member, provided that he is not a member of another general social fraternity that is a member of the National Interfraternity Conference, and that he is, prior to nomination for associate membership or initiation, in good, acceptable academic standing as defined by the college or university. SECTION 3. Members of the Fraternity who have left college shall be alumni members. Members who are graduate students and are not affiliated with a collegiate chapter are also alumni members. Men who are alumni of groups accepted into the Fraternity as collegiate chapters, who are in good standing and who are otherwise eligible according to the Constitution and Laws, shall be granted the privilege of initiation into the Fraternity and shall thereafter enjoy the rights and privileges of alumni members. SECTION 4. Honorary membership in this Fraternity may be bestowed upon men who are eligible according to the Constitution and Laws. SECTION 5. Men accepted for membership in this Fraternity shall be initiated according to the Laws and the Rituals of the Fraternity. SECTION 6. Initiates of this Fraternity shall pay initiation fees and membership dues according to the Laws. SECTION 7. Membership in this Fraternity shall be for life, except when terminated by expulsion as hereinafter provided by the Constitution and Laws. Every member shall be obligated to obey the Constitution and Laws.
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ARTICLE 4. Chapters SECTION 1. The membership of this fraternity shall be organized into collegiate and alumni chapters. SECTION 2. Collegiate chapters shall be organized on college and university campuses that grant bachelors degrees or in two-year colleges that are accredited as two or four-year degree granting institutions by the appropriate regional association. SECTION 3. Alumni members of the Fraternity living in a general locality may organize and belong to an alumni chapter. SECTION 4. Authority to grant charters to petitioning groups shall be vested in the Board of Directors of the Fraternity. ARTICLE 5. The Grand Chapter SECTION 1. Authority to legislate for the good of the Fraternity, and to adopt and amend the Constitution and Laws of the Fraternity, shall be vested in the Grand Chapter. SECTION 2. Authorized members of the Grand Chapter are defined by the Laws of the Fraternity. SECTION 3. The Grand Chapter shall meet biennially. ARTICLE 6. Board of Directors SECTION 1. The governing body of this Fraternity shall be the Board of Directors, which shall have the final authority for all actions not otherwise provided by the Constitution and Laws. SECTION 2. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the President, President-elect, four Members at Large and the two immediate Past Presidents. SECTION 3. The members of the Board of Directors shall have been initiated as members of the Fraternity. SECTION 4. The members of the Board of Directors, with the exception of the President and the two immediate Past Presidents, shall be chosen by the Grand Chapter at the biennial meeting, and shall serve a term of two years or until their successors are elected. SECTION 5. If at any time the Executive Vice President receives a petition in writing from 15 percent of the collegiate chapters representing three or more regions of the
Constitution, Laws and Policies
Fraternity asking for a recall of any elected officer or member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Vice President shall submit a ballot to each member of the Grand Chapter for each charge of recall. If the proposal for recall receives a majority of the votes, he shall inform the party in question of his dismissal from the Board. The Grand Chapter will also be notified. Without a proper vote for recall, the petition shall be dismissed. ARTICLE 7. Regions SECTION 1. There shall be geographical Regions established to facilitate the development and administration of the program of the Fraternity. The responsibility of establishing boundaries of Regions and subdivisions of Regions shall be vested with the Board of Directors. SECTION 2. Each Region shall have administrative officers appointed by the Executive Vice President who shall be alumni or honorary members of the Fraternity. ARTICLE 8. Ritual SECTION 1. There shall be an official Ritual adopted by the Grand Chapter that shall be used by all chapters of the Fraternity. SECTION 2. A Ritualist shall be appointed by the President to assist in the administration of the Ritual. ARTICLE 9. Insignia SECTION 1. The badge of this Fraternity shall be a four-pointed shield with a sword thrust diagonally through it from the upper left to the lower right. A chain shall connect the hilt of the sword with the point. The face of the badge shall be of blue enamel with a chevron of black enamel, faced with gold. Across the chevron shall be the Greek letters Sigma Tau Gamma, in gold. Below the chevron shall be a Grecian urn, of gold. The badge shall be of gold, or gold set with jewels. SECTION 2. The emblem signifying that a man has been pledged to membership in this Fraternity shall be a four-pointed shield of silver divided into two equals parts vertically, the left side to be blue enamel and the right side to be silver. SECTION 3. The coat-of-arms of this Fraternity shall be an armorial bearing as 2
described; per pale azure and argent, a chevron countercharged. In chief, a scroll fesswise per pale, or and gules. On an esquire's helmet, the Crest; a circle of eighteen links, argent, Motto: Sigma Tau Gamma. SECTION 4. The colors of this Fraternity shall be blue and white. The hues of the colors shall be specified by the Grand Chapter. SECTION 5. The flower of this Fraternity shall be the white rose. SECTION 6. The flag of this Fraternity shall be rectangular and divided into two equal parts, the background to be blue on the upper left half and white on the lower right half. The Crest, a circle of 18 links, shall be contained over the blue background and the Greek letters, Sigma Tau Gamma, shall be contained in blue over the white background. ARTICLE 10. Publications SECTION 1. The Fraternity shall publish an esoteric journal called The Saga of Sigma Tau Gamma.
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SECTION 2. The Board of Directors is authorized to publish any material for the use of the Fraternity. ARTICLE 11. Amendments SECTION 1. If the call for the Grand Chapter meeting includes a proposed amendment and this amendment is adopted by a three-fourths vote at this meeting, it will become a part of the Constitution. If a proposed amendment does not accompany the call for the Grand Chapter meeting but is adopted by a three-fourths vote at that meeting, it will become a part of the Constitution, provided that the amendment shall within sixty (60) days after the Grand Chapter meeting, be submitted for approval to all members of the Grand Chapter and shall receive a dissenting vote from less than one-third of those members of the Grand Chapter in good standing within sixty (60) days after the date of mailing the propose
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The
LAWS of
Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc. 速 As Revised by 44th Grand Chapter, August 7, 2010
Foreword The Laws of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity are enacted by the Grand Chapter. The Laws are based upon and are subordinate to the Constitution and are intended to give direction, definition, and effect to the purpose of the Constitution. LAW 2. Organization of the Fraternity SECTION 1. The program of the collegiate chapter shall be planned for the successful accomplishment of the purposes of the Fraternity among collegiate members. SECTION 2. Alumni members of the Fraternity shall share an active role in the direction and guidance of the collegiate chapters. SECTION 3. The program of the alumni chapter shall be planned primarily for the successful accomplishment of the purposes of the Fraternity among the alumni members of the Fraternity. LAW 3. Membership Law 3A. Collegiate Members SECTION 1. Election to collegiate membership in this Fraternity shall be in accordance with the Laws of the Fraternity and of the chapter. SECTION 2. A prospective member shall be called an associate. To complete requirements for membership, each associate shall pursue an official course of study prescribed by the Fraternity and shall satisfactorily complete it before being initiated. SECTION 3. An invitation to associate with this Fraternity is an invitation to become a member and, upon acceptance, implies an obligation on the part of both the chapter and the associated man. SECTION 4. Initiation into membership shall be by the prescribed Ritual and in conformance with the Laws. Every candidate shall sign the Obligation of Membership before being initiated. SECTION 5. A member of the Fraternity who enrolls as an undergraduate student in a college or university at which there is a collegiate chapter of the Fraternity, other than the chapter by which he was initiated, shall affiliate with that chapter and shall continue full obligations to the Fraternity. Constitution, Laws and Policies
SECTION 6. A member of the Fraternity who enrolls as a graduate student in a college or university at which there is a collegiate chapter of the Fraternity, other than the chapter by which he was initiated, may affiliate with that chapter and continue full obligations to the Fraternity. SECTION 7. A collegiate chapter need not accept the affiliation of a transfer member from another chapter unless he is in good standing in the chapter from which he is transferring. If his affiliation is accepted, the name of the transferring member shall be entered upon the current roll, but shall not be inscribed upon the roll of initiates of the second chapter. SECTION 8. An initiate of this Fraternity shall receive a membership card and a membership certificate and a life subscription to The Saga of Sigma Tau Gamma. SECTION 9. There shall be an Alumni Association for each collegiate chapter with which each alumnus member of that collegiate chapter shall affiliate. Each alumni association shall promote the fraternal interest of its members in its collegiate chapter through regular communications. It shall advise and counsel with its collegiate chapter officers. The alumni association shall be incorporated as a non-profit organization. Law 3B. Alumni Members SECTION 1. Collegiate members of this Fraternity shall become alumni members when they leave college or university. Graduate students who are members may choose to become alumni members while in graduate school. SECTION 2. Every alumni member may participate in the alumni program of the Fraternity. He is encouraged to participate fully in the rights and privileges of membership by affiliating with a regularly organized alumni chapter in the area of his residence. SECTION 1. A chapter desiring to initiate an honorary member shall petition and receive 4
permission from the Board of Directors of the Fraternity. SECTION 2. An honorary member of this Fraternity shall enjoy all the rights and privileges of membership. SECTION 3. An honorary member, having been initiated according to the Constitution, Laws, and Ritual, and having signed the Obligation of Membership, shall be subject to the disciplines of the Fraternity. Law 3D. Fees SECTION 1. Every initiate into this Fraternity shall pay a membership fee before his initiation. The Grand Chapter shall set, by resolution, the amount and structure of the membership fee. SECTION 2. Each collegiate chapter shall be responsible for the payment of the Fraternity the membership fee for each collegiate member initiated by that chapter into the Fraternity. SECTION 3. Collegiate members shall pay chapter dues to support their chapter program. Chapter dues shall be set by the chapters. SECTION 4. Alumni members may support the alumni program through a system of dues or fees. SECTION 5. Payment of membership fees must be made within the time limits, procedures and conditions set by policy of the Executive Office of the Fraternity. The Executive Office may directly bill the initiate for the membership fee. Thereby, each initiate shall receive a membership manual, a badge, a membership card, a membership certificate, and a life subscription to The SAGA of Sigma Tau Gamma. SECTION 6. Each alumnus member of a local fraternity or provisional chapter which is installed as a collegiate chapter of this Fraternity, who is certified in good standing and eligible according to ARTICLE 3 of the Constitution, may be initiated as a member upon payment of a fee set by resolution of the Grand Chapter and shall receive a membership card, a membership certificate and a life subscription to The SAGA of Sigma Tau Gamma. SECTION 7. A person who is eligible for honorary membership in this Fraternity according to ARTICLE 3 of the Constitution, may be initiated following approval of a petition from a collegiate chapter or alumni chapter accompanied by a fee set by resolution of the Grand Chapter and shall receive a membership card, a membership certificate and a life subscription to The SAGA of Sigma Tau Gamma.
Constitution, Laws and Policies
LAW 4. Chapters Law 4A. Admission of Collegiate Chapters SECTION 1. Collegiate chapters shall be established as authorized by the Constitution and Laws, and upon installation, shall henceforth be bound by the Constitution and Laws, as shall all the members. SECTION 2. Chapters shall be designated by the letters of the Greek alphabet in order, provided that when the single alphabet has been used, the alphabet shall be repeated with the prefix Alpha, then Beta, then Gamma, and the other letters in order as long as they are necessary. SECTION 3. A fee set by Grand Chapter resolution shall be charged for the chartering and installation of a new chapter. SECTION 4. Accepted petitioning groups shall pay all expenses incident to the installation except the expenses of the installing officer. SECTION 5. Members of a provisional chapter may be initiated as members of the Fraternity, and if initiated, they shall be obligated to the Constitution, Laws, and Ritual. SECTION 6. A provisional chapter shall be obligated to the Constitution, Laws, and Ritual, and shall have all the privileges of a collegiate chapter except that it shall not have a vote in the Grand Chapter, provided that it shall be under the guidance of designated members of the fraternity during the period it remains in the status of a provisional chapter, and shall make reports as required and shall submit the names of all candidates for membership to these members for their approval, prior to initiation. SECTION 7. A provisional chapter may be installed as a collegiate chapter or dissolved at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity, but if dissolved, this action shall not affect the membership obligation, rights and privileges of members of the Fraternity in good standing upon the date of dissolution, and they shall then become alumni members of the Fraternity. Law 4B. Collegiate Chapters SECTION 1. Each collegiate chapter shall hold a regular meeting once each week during the college year, provided that for sufficient reasons a regular meeting may be postponed for not more than one week. It shall be the duty of every member to attend all chapter meetings unless excused in advance for reasons considered sufficient.
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SECTION 2. Each collegiate chapter shall have an alumni association composed of the alumni members of the chapter. To be recognized by the Fraternity, the alumni association mission, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and dues structure must be submitted to the Executive Office and approved by the Executive Vice President or his designee. Once recognized, that alumni association shall be eligible to participate in the programs and services of the Fraternity, and represent themselves in the Grand Chapter, provided that it complies with the following requirements: (i) Each alumni association shall meet at least once per year at which time directors shall be elected; (ii) Each alumni association shall submit an annual report to the Executive Office not later than June 30 that consists of a roster of its members, a list of its duly elected officers and directors, and complete information on its activities; and (iii) Each alumni association shall pay the annual dues set by the Fraternity. SECTION 3. Each collegiate chapter shall follow the procedures and shall furnish such reports using specified forms as are required by the Laws and by request of the Executive Office of the Fraternity. SECTION 4. Payment of dues and fees must be made within the time limits, procedures and conditions set by policy of the Executive Office of the Fraternity. Each collegiate chapter shall remit promptly to the Executive Office the dues and fees which are prescribed by the Constitution and Laws. The Executive Office may direct bill members for any dues or fees which are prescribed by the Constitution and Laws. SECTION 5. Collegiate chapters shall have no power to amend these Laws, but shall each adopt chapter laws which it deems necessary, provided that said laws are not in conflict with the Constitution, Laws, or Ritual of the Fraternity. A copy of the chapter laws and any changes shall be deposited by each chapter with the Executive Office. SECTION 6. Each collegiate chapter shall hold its regular election of officers annually, in November. Chapter officers shall take office no earlier than the first day of December, and shall serve for twelve consecutive months. Members must meet academic or other eligibility requirement set by Grand Chapter resolution to hold elective office in a collegiate chapter. Any member who fails to be eligible to hold an elected chapter office shall be replaced by the Constitution, Laws and Policies
election of a new officer, who shall serve for the remainder of the regular term of office. Terms may be adjusted for trimesters. SECTION 7. Each collegiate chapter shall pay into the General Fund of the Fraternity, dues to be set by Grand Chapter resolution. SECTION 8. Each collegiate chapter shall pay a semi-annual fee set by resolution of the Grand Chapter to the Fraternity, to be set-aside in a convention fund. Said convention fund shall be used to offset a portion of the costs of holding the annual meetings of the Fraternity, including the Grand Chapter. SECTION 9. The collegiate chapter organization shall be according to a plan common throughout this Fraternity. It shall be defined by resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in the official membership manual. SECTION 10. Each collegiate chapter and provisional chapter may levy fees and dues upon its members in addition to any fees, dues, and other payments to the Fraternity. Each chapter and provisional chapter of the Fraternity shall set its local dues at an amount which shall cover all of its anticipated regular operation costs. Each chapter and provisional chapter shall bill its members and associates with a written statement which clearly and separately identifies (i) chapter and provisional chapter dues and fees and (ii) dues and fees charged by the National Fraternity and collected by the chapter or provisional chapter, and when payment is made, shall provide each member or associate with a written receipt which clearly identifies the amount paid and specific item for which payment has been made. Each chapter and provisional chapter shall also distribute, with individual billing statements, a written budget which identifies, by category, the amounts and sources of revenue and the amounts and purposes of expenditures. In addition to the penalties provided by Law 8, any officer found to have violated the provisions of this Section may be removed from office. SECTION 11. Collegiate chapters may not purchase, lease or otherwise occupy real property for use as a residence or lodge except through an incorporated alumni association or housing corporation. An incorporated alumni association or housing corporation that owns real property is charged with the responsibility of maintaining adequate insurance on the property. SECTION 12. Each collegiate chapter shall observe Founders Day, on its anniversary or on 6
a date as near it as possible with appropriate ceremonies. SECTION 13. Each collegiate chapter shall observe Fellowship Day on or about February 26, the birthday anniversary of Wilson C. Morris, first sponsor of the Fraternity, with appropriate ceremonies. Law 4C. Alumni Chapters SECTION 1. Upon receipt of a petition signed by at least fifteen (15) alumni members of the Fraternity in good standing, residing in a given general locality, the Board of Directors of the Fraternity may grant a charter to operate as an alumni chapter. The charter fee shall be set by the Board of Directors. SECTION 2. Each alumni chapter shall bear a name denoting the general locality in which the chapter is located. SECTION 3. Any alumni member of the Fraternity in good standing, residing in the locality of an alumni chapter, shall be eligible for membership in that chapter. SECTION 4. Alumni chapters may make such laws as they deem necessary for the conduct of their affairs provided that such laws shall not conflict with the Constitution, Laws, or Ritual of the Fraternity. SECTION 5. The Board of Directors shall set standards and fees for biennial renewal of alumni chapter charters. Each Alumni Chapter shall submit an annual report to the Executive Office regarding its activities and meetings on or before June 30 in order to certify that it qualifies for the renewal of its charter. Law 4D. Collegiate Chapter Advisory Board SECTION 1. Each collegiate chapter shall have a Chapter Advisory Board. SECTION 2. The Chapter Advisory Board shall be composed of not less than four members, at least one of whom shall be an alumnus of the Fraternity, without regard to chapter affiliation. SECTION 3. The Regional Vice President may remove a member of the Chapter Advisory Board for cause. SECTION 4. The officers of the collegiate chapter shall select two (2) members of the Chapter Advisory Board. The alumni association shall select one (1) member of the Chapter Advisory Board. A chapter housing corporation shall select (1) member of the Chapter Advisory Board, however, if there is no active housing corporation, then the alumni association shall select one (1) additional
Constitution, Laws and Policies
member. By resolution, the Chapter Advisory Board may provide for additional members and their qualifications. The members of the Chapter Advisory Board shall select a chairman. SECTION 5. The purpose of the Chapter Advisory Board shall be primarily to advise and mentor the collegiate chapter so that it may achieve the objectives and ideals of the Fraternity. SECTION 6. The Chapter Advisory Board shall meet regularly once a month during the college year, and may meet as often as necessary. LAW 5. Grand Chapter SECTION 1. Each collegiate chapter in good standing shall be entitled to representation by a number of delegates at the meetings of the Grand Chapter, which shall be determined by the following formula: Chapters having a total initiated college membership on the closing day of the school year of thirty-nine (39) or fewer members shall be entitled to two (2) delegates, and forty (40) or more members shall be entitled to three (3) delegates, provided that each of the said delegates shall be elected by and from the undergraduate members of the collegiate chapter. One additional delegate shall be elected by and from the members of the alumni association of the collegiate chapter, provided that the alumni association is certified by the Fraternity. Each such delegate shall be entitled to one vote. Between meetings, the vote of each collegiate chapter shall be cast as a unit of one. SECTION 2. Each alumni chapter in good standing shall be entitled to one delegate to meetings of the Grand Chapter. Each such delegate shall be entitled to one vote. Between meetings the vote of each alumni chapter shall be cast as a unit of one. SECTION 3. Members of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity shall each have one vote. SECTION 4. Past Presidents of the Fraternity shall each have one vote. SECTION 5. Members of the Society of the Seventeen of the Fraternity shall each have one vote. SECTION 6. No individual may exercise more than one vote. SECTION 7. No vote shall be cast by proxy. SECTION 8. The delegate representing a collegiate chapter or an alumni chapter shall be a member in good standing of that chapter and the Fraternity.
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SECTION 9. The biennial meeting of the Grand Chapter shall be called by the President not less than sixty (60) days before the convening. SECTION 10. Each collegiate chapter shall send a representative to the Grand Chapter meeting. Failure to send a representative shall result in a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) to the chapter, payable to the Fraternity. SECTION 11. Each alumni chapter shall send a representative to the Grand Chapter meeting. SECTION 12. A quorum is present when a minimum of 2/3 of properly credentialed delegates are present in the Grand Chapter room. SECTION 13. “Majority vote”, “2/3 majority” and “3/4 majority” refer to the fraction of credentialed delegates actually present in the Grand Chapter Room, provided that a quorum has been established. SECTION 14. The President of the Fraternity shall report to each Grand Chapter Meeting as to the disposition of all resolutions and new business adopted at the previous Grand Chapter meeting. LAW 6. Board of Directors Law 6A. Election of the Board of Directors SECTION 1. Members of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity shall be elected at the Grand Chapter meeting. SECTION 2. Election to any office on the Board of Directors of the Fraternity shall be by majority vote of the qualified members of the Grand Chapter. SECTION 3. Candidates for offices on the Board of Directors of the Fraternity shall file for office with the Executive Vice President on or before the 31st day of January in the year of the Grand Chapter and shall be certified as eligible to hold office by the Board of Directors to qualify for candidacy. An eligible candidate is defined as a member in good standing with the Fraternity who has completed orientation on the Fraternity’s Governance Policies as approved by the Board of Directors. SECTION 4. The order of election shall be: (1) President Elect, (2) Members. SECTION 5. The Board of Directors, at its first meeting, shall elect from its Members the Secretary and the Treasurer and such other officers as the Members deem necessary. SECTION 6. No more than one member of any collegiate chapter shall be eligible to hold
Constitution, Laws and Policies
elective office on the Board of Directors of the Fraternity at one time. SECTION 7. A vacancy on the Board shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors of the Fraternity, the appointment to be effective until the next election is held. Law 6B. Responsibilities of the Board of Directors SECTION 1. The Board of Directors of the Fraternity is responsible to the Grand Chapter for the operation of the Fraternity between Grand Chapter meetings. SECTION 2. The Board of Directors of the Fraternity is authorized to create advisory offices or committees, and to appoint members of the Fraternity to such offices and committees. Such officers or committees shall be non-salaried but they shall be reimbursed for expense incurred in the interest of the Fraternity when specifically provided for in the budget. SECTION 3. The Board of Directors of the Fraternity is authorized to establish an Executive Office and is authorized to pay rents for office quarters, incur expenses for operation, purchase of office equipment supplies, and other costs incident to the functions of the Executive Office. SECTION 4. The Board of Directors of the fraternity is authorized, as they deem necessary, to employ persons to manage and operate the Fraternity. SECTION 5. The Board of Directors of the Fraternity is authorized to create a retirement program and other benefits for salaried employees. SECTION 6. The Board of Directors of the Fraternity shall collect monies, maintain bank accounts, and disburse funds of the Fraternity according to an adopted budget. SECTION 7. The Board of Directors of the Fraternity may be authorized by the Grand Chapter to pay from Fraternity funds and to incur indebtedness for the construction of a building to house the Fraternity's office. SECTION 8. Members of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the interests of the Fraternity. SECTION 9. At each meeting of the Grand Chapter the President of the Fraternity shall present a report of the progress of the Fraternity since the preceding meeting, and recommendations for the good of the Fraternity.
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SECTION 10. The Board of Directors shall publish an annual report, every July, addressing the level of attainment of the Fraternity’s desired ends. LAW 7. Regions SECTION 1. The chief administrative officer in each Region shall be the Regional Vice President, who shall report to the Executive Vice President of the Fraternity. SECTION 2. The regions may include such other regional officers as may be authorized by the Executive Vice President. SECTION 3. Regional officers shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the interest of the Fraternity, provided that such expenses are specifically authorized by the Executive Vice President. LAW 8. Discipline Law 8A. Member Discipline SECTION 1. Charges may be brought against a member of the Fraternity by any Fraternity member or chapter advisor for one or more of the following offenses: 1. Flagrant breach of the obligations assumed upon initiation. 2. Violation of the Constitution, Laws, Policies or Ritual of the Fraternity. 3. Refusal or persistent failure to meet financial obligations. 4. Failure to maintain good, acceptable academic standing as defined by the college or university. 5. Failure to comply with college or university regulations. 6. Condoning the practice of hazing or by violating the provisions of the Code of Conduct as defined by the Fraternity. 7. Violation of the Risk Management Policy, as defined by the Fraternity, including the prohibition against the purchase of beverage alcohol through the chapter treasury or by individual members in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. 8. The possession, sale and/or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances on chapter premises or at any Fraternity sponsored event or at any event that would suggest association with the Fraternity to a normal observer. 9. Violation of chapter by-laws or policies by collegiate members.
Constitution, Laws and Policies
10. Encouraging or conspiring by an alumni member with a collegiate member or chapter to violate the Constitution, Laws, Policies, or Ritual of the Fraternity or provisions of the Code of Conduct and Risk Management Policy as defined by the Fraternity. SECTION 2. Disciplinary action concerning collegiate members shall be made by the proper standing collegiate chapter Judicial Board or the Regional Vice President or the Executive Vice President, with provision for appeal. Every chapter shall have a Chapter Judicial board. The Board shall consist of three undergraduate members and one alternate elected by and from the undergraduate members of the chapter, and a chapter advisor and an alumni member of the chapter. The president of the chapter shall make nominations and coordinate with the Regional Vice President, who shall appoint the advisor and alumni members. If charges are brought against an undergraduate member of the Chapter Judicial Board, or if a member feels that he cannot objectively serve, or if a member is not available, the alternate shall take the place of the member for that hearing. The Chapter Judicial Board shall elect a chairman. The jurisdiction of the Chapter Judicial board is limited to only those cases where charges are being brought against a collegiate member by his chapter or by another collegiate member of the same chapter. SECTION 3. When a hearing is held, the following procedures shall be followed: 1. Charges shall be filed in writing with the Chairman of the Chapter Judicial Board. If a proper Chapter Judicial Board has not been formed, or if charges are being made outside the jurisdiction of the Chapter Judicial Board, the charges shall be filed with the Executive Office which shall take action consistent with the policies set by the Board of Directors. 2. A copy of the charges shall be mailed or hand delivered directly to the charged individual by a member of the Chapter Judicial Board at least three days prior to the hearing, specifying the place and time of the hearing. 3. The Chapter Judicial Board shall conduct the hearing with both the individual bringing the charges and the individual being charged having the opportunity to be present and to present their cases. 4. The accused member must plead "guilty" or "not guilty." If no plea is expressed, a 9
plea of "not guilty" will be entered in his behalf. When the plea of "not guilty" has been entered for the accused, evidence for the charge and defense shall be heard. 5. The Chapter Judicial Board shall render a decision of guilty or not guilty, and shall prepare a written statement of the decision for the record; a copy going to the accused, the chapter and the Executive Office of the Fraternity. 6. If a plea of guilty is entered by the accused member or a decision of guilty has been rendered by the Chapter Judicial Board, the following penalties may be levied: a. a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), in lieu of a fine, the Chapter Judicial Board may require the member to perform community service. b. removal from office. c. a suspension of the guilty member for a specified length of time from the activities of the chapter and a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00). d. expulsion of the member from the Fraternity. 7. Notification of a decision of guilty with the penalty of expulsion shall be sent to the expelled member by registered or certified mail. 8. Decisions of the Chapter Judicial Board may be appealed in writing to the Judicial Review board within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the notification of the decision. 9. At the expiration of the thirty (30) day interval, and no appeal having been made, the Chapter Judicial Board decision shall be final. If the penalty was expulsion, the Executive Office shall be notified, and where possible the expelled member's pin and certificate of membership shall be obtained from him. SECTION 4. If an appeal is filed with the Executive Office of the Fraternity, or if any decision made by the Regional Vice President or Executive Vice President has been appealed, there shall be a review before the Judicial Review Board. The Board of Directors shall establish one or more Judicial Review Boards, as needed or desired, which have complete authority to render decisions on any complaint
Constitution, Laws and Policies
properly brought under the appeal provisions of this section. SECTION 5. Any decision of a Judicial Review Board may be appealed to the Board of Directors of the Fraternity within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the notification of the decision. The Board of Directors shall render a decision to uphold, uphold but modify the penalty or reverse the decision of the Judicial Review Board. SECTION 6. Any decision of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity may be appealed to the Grand Chapter within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the notification of the decision. The Grand Chapter may allow a committee to conduct hearings and provide a recommendation to the full House of Delegates, which shall have an opportunity to question the individuals concerned if present and render a decision to uphold, uphold but modify the penalty or reverse the decision of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity. The decision of the Grand Chapter shall be final. SECTION 7. Upon an emergency condition, in which it is not feasible to wait for a full investigation, the Executive Vice President may temporarily suspend a member, provided that charges are brought against the member within ten (10) days of the temporary suspension. A temporary suspension shall remain in effect until changed by the Executive Vice President or until a hearing is held. Law 8B. Collegiate Chapter Discipline SECTION 1. Charges may be brought against a collegiate chapter of the Fraternity by any Fraternity member or chapter advisor for one or more of the following offenses: 1. Violation of the Constitution, Laws, Policies or Ritual of the Fraternity. 2. Failure to comply with college or university regulations. 3. Persistent failure to meet financial obligations to the Fraternity. 4. Condoning the practice of hazing or violating the provisions of the Code of Conduct as defined by the Fraternity. 5. Violation of the Risk Management Policy, as defined by the Fraternity, including the prohibition against the purchase of alcohol through the chapter treasury or by individual members in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. 6. The possession, sale and/or use of any illegal drug or controlled substance on
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chapter premises or at any Fraternity sponsored event or at any event that would suggest association with the Fraternity to a normal observer. SECTION 2. The Board of Directors shall establish one or more Judicial Review Boards, as needed or desired, which have complete authority to render decisions on any complaint properly brought under the provisions of the Constitution or Laws of the Fraternity as herein described in this Law 8B. SECTION 3. Upon an adverse finding against a collegiate chapter, the Judicial Review Board shall direct one or more of the following sanctions: 1. A fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) 2. Warning, Probation, or Suspension status, as defined by the Fraternity. SECTION 4. Any decision of the Judicial Review Board may be appealed to the Board of Directors of the Fraternity within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the notification of the decision. The Board of Directors shall render a decision to uphold, uphold but modify the penalty, or reverse the decision of the Judicial Review Board. SECTION 5. Any decision of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity may be appealed to the Grand Chapter within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the notification of the decision. The Grand Chapter may allow a committee to conduct hearings and provide a recommendation to the full House of Delegates, which shall have an opportunity to question the individuals concerned if present and render a decision to uphold, uphold but modify the penalty, or reverse the decision of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity. The decision of the Grand Chapter shall be final. SECTION 7. Upon an emergency condition, in which it is not feasible to wait for a full investigation, the Executive Vice President may temporarily suspend a chapter, provided that charges are brought against the chapter within ten (10) days of the temporary suspension. A temporary suspension shall remain in effect until changed by the Executive Vice President or until a hearing is held. Law 8C. Alumni Chapter and Alumni Association Discipline SECTION 1. Charges may be brought against an Alumni Chapter or Alumni Association by
Constitution, Laws and Policies
any Fraternity member or chapter advisor for one or more of the following offenses. 1. Violation of the Constitution, Laws, Policies or Ritual of the Fraternity. 2. Persistent failure to meet financial obligations to the Fraternity. 3. Condoning the practice of hazing or by violating the provisions of the Code of Conduct as defined by the Fraternity. 4. Encouraging or conspiring with a collegiate member or chapter to violate the Constitution, Laws, Policies or Ritual of the Fraternity or provisions of the Code of Conduct and Risk Management Policy as defined by the Fraternity. SECTION 2. The President of the Fraternity shall appoint an investigator who shall be a member of the Fraternity. Should the investigator determine there is just cause to pursue the charge, a hearing for the alumni chapter or alumni association shall be initiated through the Board of Directors. SECTION 3. A hearing shall be conducted according to the following procedures: 1. A copy of the charges shall be delivered to the president of the accused alumni chapter or alumni association by registered or certified mail at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the hearing. 2. The Board of Directors shall conduct the hearing. 3. The Board of Directors shall render a decision of guilty or not guilty within thirty (30) days of the hearing and shall prepare a written statement of the decision for the record; a copy going to the accused alumni chapter or alumni association. 4. When a decision of guilty is rendered by the Board of Directors, the following penalties may be set by the Board of Directors. a. A fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), b. If a temporary suspension was issued, the temporary suspension may be lifted, c. A temporary suspension may be issued or affirmed for a specific length of time, with or without, (i) specific remedies of action and/or (ii) an accompanying fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00); or SECTION 4. Any decision of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity may be appealed to 11
the Grand Chapter within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the notification of the decision. The Grand Chapter may allow a committee to conduct hearings and provide a recommendation to the full House of Delegates, which shall have an opportunity to question the individuals concerned if present and render a decision to uphold, uphold but modify the penalty, or reverse the decision of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity. The decision of the Grand Chapter shall be final. SECTION 5. Upon an emergency condition, in which it is not feasible to wait for a full investigation, the Board of Directors may suspend temporarily the charter of an alumni chapter or alumni association, provided that charges are brought against the chapter within ten (10) days of the temporary suspension. A temporary suspension shall remain in effect until changed by the Board of Directors. LAW 9. Insignia Law 9A. The Badge SECTION 1. Every initiate of the Fraternity is supplied a badge and is entitled to wear it at all times. If a member is expelled, the badge supplied to him shall be returned to the Executive Office. SECTION 2. Every alumnus of the Fraternity in good standing shall be entitled to wear the badge of the Fraternity at all times. SECTION 3. Any member of the Fraternity shall be entitled to purchase and wear any style of badge that is declared official that differs in ornamentation from the badge supplied by the Fraternity upon initiation. SECTION 4. The badge of the Fraternity shall be worn only upon the left breast, above the heart, upon vest, shirt, or sweater. SECTION 5. Authority for the manufacture and distribution of the badge is vested in the Executive Vice President of the Fraternity. The Executive Vice President may appoint and contract with one or more jewelers to reproduce the design, manufacture, and sell the badge in any size, quality of manufacture and materials, and combinations of metals and jewels. Jewelers thus appointed shall be known as official jewelers, and they alone shall be entitled during the effective period of contracts, to reproduce the design, manufacture and sell the badge. Appointments of official jewelers and contracts with the same shall be subject to renegotiation or cancellation within the terms of the contracts.
Constitution, Laws and Policies
SECTION 6. Each order for a badge shall be written upon an official order blank, which shall be available from the Executive Office. Orders for collegiate members must be approved by the treasurer and the president of the chapter. SECTION 7. Each order for a badge shall be approved by the Executive Vice President before it is placed with an official jeweler. SECTION 8. Wearers of the badge may be permitted to purchase and wear with it an auxiliary known as a guard, linked to the badge by a chain of gold. The guard shall consist of the Greek letter or letters of the chapter name, worked in gold or gold and pearls. No other style of guard shall be worn with the badge. Law 9B. Coat-of-Arms SECTION 1. The coat-of-arms of the Fraternity shall be displayed only in a dignified manner. The Grand Chapter is authorized to prescribe how it may or may not be displayed. SECTION 2. All reproductions shall be approved by the Executive Vice President of the Fraternity, and must conform to the official drawing of the coat-of-arms in possession of the Fraternity. Copies of the drawing shall be available to members and chapters. SECTION 3. The Executive Vice President of the Fraternity is authorized to have matrices cut in various sizes for the purpose of casting type reproductions of the coat-of-arms for printing stationery and such other forms as may be approved, and to have type cuts available at cost to members and chapters. SECTION 4. The Executive Vice President of the Fraternity is authorized to have the coat-ofarms reproduced by official jewelers in the form of a small gold or silver emblem to be worn on the lapel of a coat for purposes of recognition, or in the form of a gold or silver charm or pocket piece. Law 9C. Intellectual Property SECTION 1. The Executive Vice President of the Fraternity, and such persons as he may designate, are the only persons authorized to license the trademarks and other intellectual property of the Fraternity. SECTION 2. The Executive Vice President shall develop an acceptable use policy for the trademarks and other intellectual property of the Fraternity. SECTION 3. In addition to the remedies provided by Law 8, if the Executive Vice President finds there has been a violation of the
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acceptable use policy of the trademarks or other intellectual property of the Fraternity, he may immediately revoke the license of the offender to use the trademarks or intellectual property of the Fraternity. LAW 10. The Saga of Sigma Tau Gamma SECTION 1. The Executive Vice President of the Fraternity is authorized to publish The Saga of Sigma Tau Gamma. SECTION 2. The Board of Directors of the Fraternity is authorized to set aside funds derived from initiation fees, dues, or other revenues, to establish a separate fund for The Saga of Sigma Tau Gamma. LAW 11. Amendments SECTION 1. If the call for the Grand Chapter meeting includes a proposed amendment and this amendment is adopted by a two-thirds vote at this meeting, it will become a part of the Laws. If a proposed amendment does not accompany the call for the Grand Chapter meeting but is adopted by a two-thirds vote at that meeting, it will become a part of the Laws, provided that the amendment shall, within sixty (60) days after the Grand Chapter meeting, be submitted for approval to all members of the Grand Chapter and shall receive a dissenting vote from less than one half of those members of the Grand Chapter in good standing within
Constitution, Laws and Policies
sixty (60) days after the date of mailing the proposal. SECTION 2. The Board of Directors of the Fraternity may at any time between meetings of the Grand Chapter submit an amendment in writing to all the chapters of the Fraternity and the amendment shall be adopted and become a part of the Laws if it shall receive a dissenting vote from less than one-third of all those chapters in good standing within sixty (60) days after the date of mailing the proposal. SECTION 3. Voting members of the Grand Chapter may at any time between meetings of the Grand Chapter submit an amendment in writing to the Board of Directors of the Fraternity. If endorsed by the Board, the amendment shall be distributed to the members for vote. If a dissenting vote is cast by the Board, the amendment may be re-submitted to the Board and all other voting members of the Grand Chapter. If the amendment receives an endorsement by at least one-third of those members in good standing, the Board of Directors shall distribute the amendment to the members of the Grand Chapter and the amendment shall be adopted and become part of the Laws if it shall receive a dissenting vote from less than one-third of all those members in good standing within sixty (60) days after the date of mailing the proposal.
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POLICY STATEMENTS Risk Management Revised, November 11, 2005 All college chapters are responsible for annually instructing their members and associate members about this risk management policy. Alcohol and Drugs 1. The possession, use and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages, while on chapter premises, during an official Fraternity event, or in any situation or setting sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of your state, county, and city. 2. The sale of alcohol, by any chapter is prohibited. This prohibition includes any action that is a functional substitute for the sale of alcohol such as: charging for admission to parties, passing the hat, selling empty cups, or selling drink tickets. 3. Alcoholic beverages may not be purchased with chapter funds. Nor, may the purchase of alcoholic beverages be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. 4. Chapter events may not involve the use of bulk quantities of alcohol, kegs of beer or any common source container of alcohol. All alcoholic beverages consumed at chapter functions must be purchased and brought by the individuals attending the function or through a cash bar operated by a licensed establishment where the function is held. Any legal use of alcohol should not involve unlimited quantities, the encouragement of rapid consumption, drinking games, or the direct or indirect pressuring of any person to consume alcohol. 5. No chapter shall sponsor open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access and without specific invitation, where alcohol is present. 6. All recruitment activities shall be dry; that is without the use of alcoholic beverages. 7. No alcohol may be present at any associate (non-initiated) member activity. 8. No chapter may co-sponsor, co-promote or co-finance an event with a bar, tavern, distributor of alcohol, charitable organization, or student organization where alcohol is sold, given away or otherwise provided. 9. The possession, sale and/or use of any illegal drug or controlled substance at any Sigma Tau Gamma house or Fraternity sponsored event is prohibited. Hazing No chapter, provisional chapter, collegiate member or alumni member may conduct or condone hazing. Hazing activities are defined as: "Any activity taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities; wearing of apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, and any other activities that are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law." Sexual Abuse The Fraternity does not condone any form of sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This includes any actions that are demeaning to any person including but not limited to date rape, gang rape or verbal or written harassment. Fire and Safety 1. No chapter may be housed in or use the services of a structure that does not meet minimum fire and safety requirements of local civil authorities. 2. Only licensed firearms may be stored on fraternity property. Firearms storage must comply with all local and state laws and must be secured in a locked case or with a locked trigger guard. Ammunition must be stored separately from any firearm.
Constitution, Laws and Policies
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Women's Auxiliary Groups Enacted August 6, 1988 at the 33rd Grand Chapter WHEREAS,
we the Brotherhood of Sigma Tau Gamma realize that a quality fraternity experience should be one of brotherhood; and
WHEREAS,
our 68 year tradition of all male membership is vulnerable when sister organizations (i.e. little sisters, little roses, white roses, Sig Tau groupies, etc. hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary group(s) ) are in existence or endorsed by the National Fraternity or Local Chapters thereof; and
WHEREAS,
the continued endorsement of these auxiliary groups creates a competition for members with our Greek partners (sororities); and
WHEREAS,
the existence of these auxiliary groups often creates misdirected priorities and mismanagement of Sigma Tau Gamma chapter missions and goals, as well as the successful completion of the objectives and missions of the National Fraternity; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc. through its volunteer officer program and professional staff prohibit any programming for or participation by women's auxiliaries at its national, regional, or state meetings, except as guests at social functions; and further RESOLVED, that the national office of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., discontinue sale of jewelry intended to signify membership in chapter women's auxiliary groups; provided, however that White Rose Sweetheart Badges will continue to be made available for the recognition of official chapter, regional, and national White Rose Queens and for presentation as gifts by the members to their wives and women friends; and further RESOLVED, that the ownership of sweetheart badges does not represent any form of membership in Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., or include membership privileges of any kind; and further RESOLVED, that Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., prohibits the existence of chapter-sponsored women's auxiliaries.
Hazing and Pre-initiation Activities Enacted November 20, 1988 by the Board of Directors WHEREAS,
in Sigma Tau Gamma, true fraternalism is nurtured in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility, respect for duly constituted authority, and loyalty to the Principles of the Fraternity; and
WHEREAS,
the unauthorized introduction of pre-initiation activities and hazing is destructive to true fraternalism; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity reaffirms its commitment to the ideals upon which it was founded and its opposition to destructive behavior; and further RESOLVED, that each chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity be admonished to initiate new members with strict adherence to the Ceremony of Initiation as prescribed in the Ritual Manual of the Fraternity, and further RESOLVED, that no chapter shall conduct any pre-initiation activities or modify the prescribed ritual of the Fraternity in any manner, and further RESOLVED, that no chapter or member of the Fraternity, whether a college member or alumnus, shall engage in the practice of hazing, as defined by the Code of Conduct of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, and further RESOLVED, that violation of this policy will be cause for the expulsion of guilty individuals from the Fraternity or the suspension of the charter and closing of guilty chapter or both, and further RESOLVED, that this resolution be distributed to all chapter presidents and chapter advisors, and that these officers of the Fraternity be charged with communicating the contents of this resolution with the members of their respective chapters. Constitution, Laws and Policies
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Academic Standards Enacted August 1, 1998 by the 38th Grand Chapter Pursuant to Law 4B, Collegiate Chapters, Section 6: RESOLVED, that to be eligible for nomination or election to an elective office of a collegiate chapter or provisional chapter, a member of the Fraternity must have achieved an accumulative grade point average equal to or greater than 2.25 on a 4.00 scale (or an equivalent score on an alternate scales,) or, failing this test, shall have achieved an accumulative grade point average equal to or greater than 2.00 on a 4.00 scale and scored in his most recently completed academic term, a grade point average equal to or greater than 2.50 on a 4.00 scale (or an equivalent score on an alternate scale,) ; and further RESOLVED, that elected officers of a chapter or provisional chapter of the Fraternity shall maintain academic eligibility according to the aforesaid criteria during the entire term of their office, and further RESOLVED, that an elected officer who fails to maintain academic eligibility shall be removed from office within seven days of the receipt of evidence that he is no longer eligible and a new officer elected to complete his term. And, pursuant to Law 8A, Collegiate Member Discipline, Section 1: RESOLVED, that all chapters shall administer a program of academic remediation prescribed by the Fraternity in its publication, Scholarship Manual, and further RESOLVED, that collegiate members failing to achieve in any term (semester or quarter) the minimum academic standard as defined by the Laws of the Fraternity shall be placed on Academic Probation and be required to participate in the Fraternity's academic remediation programs, and further RESOLVED, that collegiate members failing to achieve the minimum academic standard as defined by the Laws of the Fraternity in a second consecutive term shall be placed on Academic Suspension for a period of one term (semester or quarter) and further RESOLVED, that Academic Suspension is defined as the loss of Fraternity membership privileges, including the right to hold any elective or appointed office or to participate in any meeting or event of the Fraternity, including the Fraternity's participation in college or university organized events such as intramural sports, provided however, that a suspended member may participate in the Fraternity's academic remediation program, and further RESOLVED, that the collegiate members failing to achieve the minimum academic standard to qualify for graduation in a third consecutive term may be expelled from membership in the Fraternity.
Insurance Standards Enacted August 4, 2011 by the Board of Directors Pursuant to Article 6 of the Constitution of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., and Law 6A and Law 6B of the Laws of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., which establish the authority of the Board of Directors of the Fraternity. WHEREAS:
Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity believes that it has a responsibility to protect the interests of its leaders, both volunteer and professional, on the college chapter, alumni association and general fraternity levels when they may be exposed to financial liability as the result of the responsible execution of their duties as officers of the Fraternity, and
WHEREAS:
Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity established an insurance standards policy on August 11, 2000 to assure its future of service to college men seeking a fraternal experience based upon the Principles of Value, Learning, Leadership, Excellence, Benefit, and Integrity, and
WHEREAS:
Exercising prudent governance, the Board of Directors has revisited the insurance standards policy and concluded that a revised policy is in the best interest of all chapters and members, now therefore be it
Constitution, Laws and Policies
16
RESOLVED: That the insurance standards policy enacted August 11, 2000, is hereby rescinded and replaced with this policy, and further RESOLVED: That all college chapters and provisional chapters of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity are required to participate in a certain policy of General Liability Insurance sponsored by Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc. that shows each college chapter as a named insured, and which provides for One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) per occurrence coverage, and further RESOLVED: That if a chapter seeks to obtain its own liability insurance coverage it may petition the Board of Directors for permission to do so, provided that it indemnify Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc. against any loss and produce an additional insured certificate covering Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc. with a minimum $1 Million Dollars per occurrence ($1 Million Dollars Aggregate per year) policy limit with a deductible no greater than $2,500 per occurrence, that includes general liability, non-owned and hired auto liability, and host liquor liability, and that has no exclusions for hazing, sexual abuse, assault and battery, athletic participation, communicable diseases, punitive damages, or discrimination.
Chapter Housing Standards Enacted August 1, 1998 by the 38th Grand Chapter RESOLVED, that the real property used by collegiate chapters for residential or lodge purposes (generally referred to as "Chapter House,") should be purchased by the chapter's alumni association or housing corporation, incorporated and currently registered in the state in which the collegiate chapter is domiciled, and further RESOLVED, that the alumni association or housing corporation is charged with the responsibility to administer the real property occupied by the collegiate chapter in full compliance with all laws, (federal, state, and local) and to adequately insure the property for the protection of the Fraternity, its members and guests.
Authorized Agent Enacted November 2, 1996 by the Board of Directors RESOLVED, that the Executive Vice President (or his authorized designee) of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., a Missouri non-profit corporation often referred to as the "national" Fraternity, is the only party authorized by the Board of Directors of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., to execute contracts on behalf of the Fraternity with any third party; and further RESOLVED, that individual student members, alumni members, collegiate chapters, alumni associations or alumni chapters of the Fraternity are not authorized to enter into or execute any contractual agreement on behalf of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., with any third party.
Relationship Agreements Enacted August 8, 2010 by the Board of Directors RESOLVED, that Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., a Missouri non-profit corporation often referred to as the "national" Fraternity, will not defend or indemnify any host college or university institution against the institution’s negligence, and RESOLVED, that no chapter, chapter member, chapter advisory board member, chapter alumni association member, or housing corporation officer has the authority to sign a college or university document on behalf of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc. that would bind the Fraternity, and further, RESOLVED, that pursuant to the Federal Volunteer Protection Act, 43 U.S.C. – 1450-14505, college or university host institutions may not hold Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc. volunteers at any level liable for harm caused by a negligent act or omission of a volunteer who was acting within the scope of his responsibilities as a Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity volunteer.
Constitution, Laws and Policies
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Expelled Member Reinstatement Policy Enacted December 5, 2000 by the Board of Directors Pursuant to Article 6, Board of Directors, Section 1. of the Constitution of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., the Board of Directors does hereby adopt this resolution of policy, which shall set the procedures by which a former member who has been expelled by the Fraternity may have his membership reinstated. WHEREAS,
Law 8, Discipline, and the Due Process Procedures Policy Statement set a procedure by which a member may be expelled for cause, and
WHEREAS,
the Board of Directors has, from time to time, received petitions for the reinstatement of an expelled member, and
WHEREAS,
the Board of Directors does desire to give consideration to such petitions that fulfill the need of compassion for the expelled member while maintaining the integrity of the membership standards of the Fraternity, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that whereas Law 8, Discipline, and the Due Process Procedures Policy Statement give no guidance in such matters, the Board of Directors, in the interest of fairness and consistency, does hereby set this procedure: A. A petition to reinstate an expelled member must be submitted in writing to the Executive Vice President of the Fraternity at the Headquarters Office, together with an application fee equal to the Fraternity's associate membership fee at the time of the petition. The application fee will not be refundable, regardless of the ruling of the Board of Directors on the petition. In cases of multiple petitions by a single individual, each petition will require a separate application fee. B. The petition must be signed and dated by the individual seeking reinstatement and by the 1) chapter president and chapter advisor in the case of students, 2) chapter alumni association president in the case of alumni or former students. C. The petition will clearly state how the expelled member has redressed the violation(s) that caused him to be expelled, and shall have attached evidence of same. (For example, a receipt for the payment of past due accounts, testimony, sworn affidavits, or other documentary evidence). D. Upon receipt of the petition, the Executive Vice President will investigate the facts of the petition. Such investigation will include, to the extent possible, testimony, sworn affidavits, or other documentary evidence from the chapter judicial board, chapter officers, and appellate judicial board members serving at the time of the original violation that was the cause of the expulsion. The Executive Vice President will submit a written report of his findings to the Board of Directors. E. The Board of Directors, by a simple majority vote, will render a decision to accept or not accept the petition for reinstatement at its first meeting following the receipt of the report of the Executive Vice President. The Executive Vice President will notify the petitioner of the results in writing.
Volunteer Social Responsibility Policy Enacted October 20, 2002 by the Board of Directors WHEREAS,
in Sigma Tau Gamma, true fraternalism is nurtured in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility, respect for duly constituted authority, and loyalty to the Principles of the Fraternity; and
WHEREAS,
if alumni members, serving in an official capacity with the Fraternity or one of its affiliated alumni associations or chapters, were to consort with collegiate members in a manner that would serve to compromise the Fraternity’s perceived commitment to the Principles it would be destructive to Sigma Tau Gamma fraternalism; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that an alumni officer may not meet one-on-one with a collegiate member behind closed doors; and further
Constitution, Laws and Policies
18
RESOLVED, that an alumni officer may not share hotel or other sleeping accommodations with a collegiate member or members, other than family members; and further RESOLVED, that an alumni officer may not purchase or provide alcoholic beverages for any collegiate member, regardless of his age, other than in a public establishment; and further RESOLVED, that an alumni officer may not accept the offer of an alcoholic beverage furnished by a collegiate member, regardless of his age, other than in a public establishment; and further RESOLVED, that alumni officers shall use the highest level of good judgment when consuming alcoholic beverages in the presence of collegiate members of any age, understanding that their behavior serves as a model of responsible brotherhood; and further RESOLVED, that while understanding that an alumni officer cannot control the behaviors of collegiate members, alumni officers shall support with their words and behavior the Risk Management Policy of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc.; and further RESOLVED, that any alumni officer who violates this policy shall be subject to the disciplinary process of the Fraternity as described in Law 8 A, Collegiate and Alumni Member Discipline.
Schedule of Fees Enacted August 7, 2010 by the 44th Grand Chapter Pursuant to Law 3D, Fees, of the Laws of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc., the Grand Chapter, assembled in the 44th Session, August 7, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio, does hereby set or amended this schedule of dues and fees. Membership Fees Semester Convention Charter COLLEGIATE Applicable Dates
July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
Associate
Initiation
$50 $50 $50 $50 $50
$235 $240 $245 $250 $255
Dues
Fee ^
$90 $95 $100 $105 $110
$350 $350 $400 $400 $425
Fee
$500 $500 $500 $500 $600
+ Includes the Ritual Stole for all new initiates, in addition to the membership card, certificate, badge and SAGA subscription. ^ The Convention Fee is paid semesterly (twice per year) and accumulates to provide a fund for payment of the chapter fee for the annual convention (Grand Chapter or Strategic Leadership Conference.) * The Chapter Charter Fee includes Ritual Equipment. This fee is being reduced because robes are no longer used, thus no longer supplied. ALUMNI Applicable Dates
July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
Association Dues
$100 $100 $100 $100 $100
RM
$250 $250 $250 $250 $250
Chapter Dues
$100 $100 $100 $100 $100
Initiation Fee RM
Alumni
$250 $250 $250 $250 $250
Honorary
$235 $240 $245 $250 $255
$235 $240 $245 $250 $255
RM = Risk Management Fee: By payment of the risk management fee, the alumni association or an alumni chapter will be included in the Fraternity’s General Liability Coverage. Alumni Chapters and alumni associations may purchase Directors and Officers Insurance and/or Building Risk and Perils coverage for an additional fee Directory Fees: Requests for contact information for one or more alumni members from: Individual Active Alumnus for 1st to 10th Name, Address & Email: 11th & after Individual Inactive Alumnus for 1st Name, Address & Email: 2nd & after
Constitution, Laws and Policies
No Charge $2 each $25 $2 each
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